Hearing Set for Man Seeking Sanctuary in Michigan Church

A hearing has been scheduled in federal court on the status of an Albanian man seeking sanctuary from deportation in a Detroit church.

U.S. District Court records show a Nov. 13 hearing on the government’s request to dismiss Ded Rranxburgaj’s petition to stop a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement order for removal after his legal status expired.

Rranxburgaj has taken refuge since January at Central United Methodist Church. He came to the U.S. with his wife 17 years ago. He says he was granted temporary humanitarian status after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis more than a decade ago. His wife depends on his care.

ICE spokesman Khaalid Walls has said that Rranxburgaj currently is considered a fugitive after not reporting to ICE as instructed.